Metra seeks feedback about pets on trains

Rena Church with her dog, Rula, started the petition drive asking Metra to allow pets on trains.

Rena Church with her dog, Rula, started the petition drive asking Metra to allow pets on trains. (Rena Church)

John KeilmanTribune reporter

Metra is considering a pilot program that would allow pets in carriers to travel aboard the commuter line, a spokeswoman said Thursday.

The policy change would put the agency in line with the CTA and other commuter railroads around the country. Metra currently bans all but service animals aboard its trains.

Metra spokeswoman Meg Reile said the agency will present the idea to its citizens advisory board Friday. The plan under consideration would allow weekend patrons of the Rock Island Line, which runs from downtown Chicago to Joliet, to bring along pets in carriers small enough to fit on a rider's lap.

Reile said the plan was created because of an electronic petition launched last year by rider Rena Church, who wants to be able to take her 12-pound Chihuahua-rat terrier mix, Rula, along on rides. The petition, which has more than 4,100 supporters, says that allowing small animals on trains would boost ridership among people who like to take their pets on weekend outings.

"I'm just thrilled," Church said Thursday. "In talking to them, I kind of thought we might get here. I just had the feeling they were in good faith, and they were."

Reile said the pilot program has not been finalized, nor has a timetable been put in place. The agency wants feedback from its citizens advisory board before proceeding, she said.

The board will meet at 9 a.m. Friday at Metra's office at 547 W. Jackson Blvd. in Chicago.